A judge ordered two Republican Cochise County supervisors to pay more than $36,000 in legal fees. The pair had initially refused to certify the 2022 general election.

Pima County Judge Casey McGinley said it was necessary for then Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and others to go to court to force the board members to perform their duties.

McGinley cited a law which requires courts to award fees to anyone who successfully sues a public servant to perform the duties of their office.

It is not clear if Peggy Judd and Tom Crosby have to pay out of pocket or if Cochise County taxpayers will pick up the tab.

Democratic County Supervisor Ann English was not liable for any costs. She was the only one on the three-member board who voted to certify the election. English joined in the request that the court issue its order.